Concert 2008
Concert Report
Lucy Counsel, Concert Oganizer
My heartfelt thanks to all participants of the concert & to all Merasheeners & friends of Merasheeners for being such a wonderful audience. A famous writer said, "I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention". You were a most attentive audience.
I'm sure all of us missed those who could not be with us this year. I know that was very much on my mind & I'm sure accounted for a lot of the respectful hush.
- I want to thank all those who came from so far.Donatus Fulford came from Marystown & opened the concert with all participants, leading us in Merasheen Born & Merasheen Bred.
- Next came Kevin Hartley followed by Randy Follett who entertained us with beautiful songs & music. They came from St John's to be with us.
- Next came the youngest member of our group-Curtis Collins-age 10. He is my nephew & I was so proud of him.He was accompanied by John & Irene Whittle (Who travelled from St John's to be with us). He received a standing ovation for his rendition of The Road to Kildare
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- Monsignor Denis Walsh took time out of his busy schedule to be with us. We are very appreciative.He sang The rocks of Merasheen with John Whittle. Later in the program he sang "I had a home out in Texas". Then he & Viola (Pomroy) Pink did a tremendous step-dance accompanied by Vince Pomroy on the accordion. It was great, all-round.
- Sadie Ennis did us proud - A monologue composed by herself & performed beautifully & followed by a delightful song.
- We finally got Kay Newhook on stage & her powerful & melodious voice brought back many memories of parties in Little Merasheen. For those of you who don't know, she's the daughter of Johnny & Lizzie Ennis.
- The Pittman Family entertained us beautifully. Eugene (SR) sang a song in memory of Dick Ennis. His daughter Krista & son Mike sang for us & the two of them are following in their Dad's footsteps - great voices. Mike was returning to Fort McMurray.
- Johnny Whittle & Harry Murphy entertained us with such beautiful songs. We have established that Johnny has ties to Merasheen & now we're searching for ties for Harry. He has a suberb voice & he & Johnny perform very well together.
- In addition to her dance, Viola gave us a couple of tunes on the Dulcimer.
- John Tobias Pearson gave us several songs, one which was very much appreciated by Michael Joseph Fulfords family, as it was their Dad's song.
- John Pitcher (Also travelled from St John's) & gave a beautiful song reminding us of what it's like to spend Christmas in a High-Rise.
- Donatus Fulford then entertained us with a couple of beautiful songs & sang one song as a tribute to his sister - Trina.
- Barb Wilson took the stage next - she travelled from Chapel Cove all on her own. She sang beautifully & also brought back many memories.
- My son Jason sang next & did a great job. He stayed especially for the concert & dance. He & his wife Liz had to be at the airport early the next morning for their trip to Yellowknife.
- Participants then sang Merasheen Farewell, led by the Pittman Family, & we closed with the Ode to Newfoundland.
The concert was long & I apologize for that - next time I'll be sure to have it much shorter.
But everyone did a phenomenal job & I am so thankful to all of you. I have received many kind words about your performances. "Kind words are jewels that live in our heart & soul & remain as blessed memories years after they are spoken." Thank-you to all those who took time to congratulate & encourage us.
I want to thank everybody who attended & came from so far.
I also want to thank the committee. Our leader Valerie is always encouraging & full of new ideas. Doreen does a lot of work behind the scenes, notifying the media & taking care of our money. Evelyn does all our programs & posters & is there for every need. Edna keeps us all in good spirits & is our P.R. person. All of them work hard behind the scenes
Now we can look forward to washrooms for the Center, and we wait with great anticipation for our Garden Party from August 6-10 this Summer.
You know what's really great is to see young people taking such an active part.We have to keep remembering our roots & celebrating them. Happy memories never wear out-recall them as often as we wish. I think most of us can say "If everything special & warm & happy in our formative years could be consolidated into one word, that word would be MERASHEEN".
I also want to say that those of you who could not be there that we missed you very much & you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Until we meet again,May God hold you tenderly in the Palm of His hand.
Be sure to sign below or use the guest book so that we can see you've been in on the site.
Pictures
'We didn't get pictures of everyone, so if you have any please send them to a committee member, or to jason_counsel(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca - thanks!'
Alice Connors Photos
Click here for pics of the Dance from Alice Connors (login required - no charge)
Elizabeth Counsel's Photos

Randy Follett

Donatus Fulford

Jason Counsel

Curtis Collins

Eugene Pittman & daughter Krista

Mike Pittman

Harry Murphy & John Whittle

John Tobias Pearson

Kay Newhook (Ennis)

Kevin Hartley

Lucy Counsel (M.C.)

Viola Pink (Pomroy)
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